From Chiang Mai : White and Blue Temples and Lalita Cafe

Embark on an enriching day trip from Chiang Mai and discover the stunning White and Blue Temples, renowned for their intricate architecture and spiritual significance. The tour includes a visit to the serene Mae Kachan Hot Spring, a cultural experience at the captivating Long Neck Karen Village, and a delightful Thai buffet lunch. Conclude your journey at the charming Lalita Café in Chiang Rai, where you can savor local and international delicacies in a tranquil atmosphere. This day of discovery and delight promises to leave you with unforgettable memories, as you dive deeper into the rich tapestry of Northern Thailand’s cultural tapestry.

Key Points

• Take a day trip from Chiang Mai to explore the stunning White and Blue Temples, with a visit to the Lalita Café in Chiang Rai.
• The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, entrance fees, a Thai buffet lunch, and an opportunity to learn about local culture at the Long Neck Karen Village.
• The tour covers iconic landmarks like the intricate architecture of the White Temple and the vibrant blue hues of the Blue Temple.
• Expect a lengthy 3-4 hour drive with winding roads, and be prepared to dress appropriately for the temples and wear comfortable walking shoes.
• The Lalita Café in Chiang Rai offers a delightful conclusion to the tour, with a range of local and international cuisine in a relaxing atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

For those interested in exploring the captivating White and Blue Temples of Chiang Rai, this day trip from Chiang Mai offers an immersive cultural experience.

Priced at $63.14 to $56.83 per person, the 12-hour tour provides excellent value, with a potential saving of up to 10%.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now & pay later option, booking is flexible.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees, and a Thai buffet lunch, making it a comprehensive and convenient way to discover these iconic landmarks.

Itinerary Highlights

The itinerary for this day trip begins with a pickup from guests’ Chiang Mai accommodations, including hotels within a 5 km radius of the Three Kings Monument.

The first stop is the Mae Kachan Hot Spring, where visitors can spend 15 minutes exploring the natural thermal pools.

Next, the tour heads to the Long Neck Karen Village, allowing 30 minutes to witness the unique culture and traditions of this hill tribe community.

Afterwards, the group visits the iconic Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, for a 1-hour exploration of its intricate architecture and Buddhist teachings.

A 1-hour Thai buffet lunch at a local restaurant follows, before continuing to the vibrant Wat Rong Suea Ten, or Blue Temple, for a 30-minute visit.

Inclusions and Additional Costs

The tour includes an English-speaking guide, entrance fees to the White Temple, Blue Temple, and Long Neck Karen Village, as well as a Thai buffet lunch or set menu if the restaurant is closed.

Additional costs may include donations at the Blue Temple, tips and gratuities, an extra seat for infants (500 THB), and a luggage charge (500 THB per suitcase).

Participants should dress appropriately for temples and wear comfortable walking shoes.

They’re also advised to prepare for a long drive with winding roads (3-4 hours) and to inform the tour operator in advance if they wish to end the tour in Chiang Rai, as drop-off will be at the main road only.

Important Information for Participants

This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Participants should dress appropriately for temples and wear comfortable walking shoes. The long drive with winding roads can last 3-4 hours, so travelers should prepare accordingly.

Infants aged 0-2 years must sit on laps, and an additional seat requires advance notice. If ending the tour in Chiang Rai, travelers should inform the tour operator in advance, as drop-off will be at the main road only.

Bringing personal items like a sun hat, camera, sunscreen, and water is recommended.

Pets, oversize luggage, smoking, large bags, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed on the tour.

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Travel Considerations

Travelers should dress appropriately for temples and wear suitable walking shoes when embarking on this tour.

The 3-4 hour drive from Chiang Mai to the temples involves winding roads, so participants should prepare for a lengthy journey.

Infants aged 0-2 years must sit on laps, but an additional seat can be requested with advance notice.

Those who wish to end the tour in Chiang Rai instead of returning to Chiang Mai should inform the tour operator in advance, as drop-off will be at the main road only.

Mae Kachan Hot Spring

Mae Kachan Hot Spring provides a brief respite from the day’s itinerary. Nestled in lush greenery, the thermal springs offer a chance to relax and rejuvenate. Visitors can soak in the mineral-rich waters, which are believed to have therapeutic properties. The springs maintain a constant temperature of around 40°C (104°F), making it a perfect spot to unwind.

Feature	Description
Water Temperature	Approximately 40°C (104°F)
Mineral Composition	Rich in minerals such as sulfur and iron
Duration	Around 15 minutes

After the soothing soak, guests can explore the surrounding grounds and perhaps purchase local handicrafts before continuing on the day’s adventure.

Long Neck Karen Village

After departing the soothing hot springs, the day’s journey takes visitors to the captivating Long Neck Karen Village.

The Long Neck Karen, known for their distinctive tradition of wearing brass rings around their necks, offer a glimpse into their unique culture.

Visitors can:

1. Observe the intricate process of adding more rings as the neck elongates over time.
2. Browse the local artisanal crafts and textiles showcasing the Karen’s exceptional weaving skills.
3. Interact with the villagers and learn about their traditions, customs, and daily life.

This immersive experience provides a profound understanding of the Long Neck Karen’s heritage and the challenges they face in preserving their traditional way of life.

Lalita Café

One of the final stops on the day’s itinerary is the charming Lalita Café. Nestled in the heart of Chiang Rai, this cozy hotel offers a tranquil respite from the day’s activities.

Visitors can indulge in a variety of local and international cuisine, ranging from Thai favorites to Western-inspired dishes. The café’s inviting atmosphere, with its rustic decor and relaxing ambiance, makes it an ideal spot to unwind and savor the flavors of the region.

Whether sipping on a refreshing beverage or savoring a delectable meal, the Lalita Café provides a delightful conclusion to the White and Blue Temples tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Photo Restrictions at the Temples?

Photography is generally permitted at the temples, but visitors should avoid using flash, tripods, or filming videos. Respectful behavior and covering up is expected when visiting sacred religious sites.

Can I Leave the Tour Early at Any of the Stops?

Participants can request to leave the tour early at any of the stops, but they’ll need to inform the guide in advance. The tour doesn’t provide drop-off at individual locations, so travelers must arrange their own transportation from the main road.

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The tour group size is not explicitly stated, but it’s likely a small group tour with personalized attention from the English-speaking guide. The tour caters to individual travelers or small groups for an intimate experience.

Are There Any Bathroom Breaks During the Long Drive?

The tour includes bathroom breaks during the long 3-4 hour drive. Travelers can use the facilities at the various stops along the way, such as the hot spring, Long Neck Karen Village, and the restaurants.

Can I Book the Tour for a Different Date if the Original Is Full?

Yes, the tour operator typically offers flexible booking options. Travelers can check for alternative dates if the original tour is full and reserve the tour for another day with the same inclusions and itinerary.

Recap

This day trip from Chiang Mai offers a captivating blend of cultural, natural, and culinary experiences. Visitors will marvel at the intricate architecture of the White and Blue Temples, unwind at the serene Mae Kachan Hot Spring, enjoy the unique traditions of the Long Neck Karen Village, and savor delightful local and international cuisine at the charming Lalita Café. A truly enriching day of discovery and delight awaits.

You can check availability for your dates here: